Trap: A Chaotic Blend of Camp and Family Drama

M. Night Shyamalan’s latest thriller, Trap, marketed as an “experience,” stars Josh Hartnett as the notorious serial killer known as “The Butcher.” The film’s setting, a concert by Lady Raven—played by Shyamalan’s daughter, Saleka—turns into a convoluted attempt to capture Hartnett’s character, creating a chaotic blend of thriller, family drama, and unintended camp. Despite intriguing potential, the film suffers from a lack of trust in its audience, with heavy-handed exposition and underdeveloped plot points detracting from the overall experience.

The relationship between Hartnett’s character, Cooper, and his daughter Riley, played by Ariel Donoghue, is confusing at best. Cooper’s dialogue feels more suited to addressing a child than a coherent teenager, adding to the film’s disjointed nature. As the plot unfolds, with Cooper discovering the elaborate trap set for him, the film’s tone fluctuates between suspense and farce, never quite finding its footing. This inconsistency extends to Lady Raven’s performance scenes, which fall short of evoking the energy of the pop stars she is meant to emulate.

Despite some moments where camp elements surface, potentially turning the film into a cult classic, Trap never fully embraces its absurdity. The film teases intriguing backstory elements for “The Butcher,” but ultimately fails to deliver a cohesive narrative. Shyamalan’s focus on showcasing his daughter’s talents comes at the expense of the film’s storytelling, leaving viewers with a muddled and unsatisfying experience.

In terms of queer representation, Trap falls short. Lady Raven’s character, seemingly modeled after iconic musicians, lacks the authenticity needed to resonate with the LGBTQ community. The film’s attempt to integrate elements of queer culture feels superficial, with the only nod to inclusivity being Lady Raven’s reference to her audience as “kings and queens.” The overall execution leaves much to be desired, resulting in a film that struggles to find its identity.

Trap offers a glimpse of what could have been a compelling thriller, but its execution undermines its potential. While Saleka Shyamalan’s involvement may have been a passion project for her father, the film’s shortcomings highlight the dangers of prioritizing personal interests over cinematic quality. As an “experience,” Trap is ultimately one that many viewers may prefer to avoid.